Rugby Union By John Walsh

Last updated 11:42, Tuesday, 24 June 2008

HEINEKEN have done a deal with the RFU Leisure Rugby Department in terms of sponsorship for a series of 10-a-Side events across the country.

Cumbria have been invited to stage one of these events at Aspatria RUFC on Saturday, September 6.

The tournament is limited to 16 teams and entries will be taken on a first come first served basis.

The sponsorship of the event includes winners and runners-up trophies; a refundable entry fee of £150 (cheques to Heineken will not be cashed and returned to club officials on the day of the event); winners from each of the 16 events nationwide will be entered into a prize draw for a first prize of £5,000 and a second prize of hosting a Heineken Club Night with Will Greenwood (pictured left) in attendance.

There will also be Goody bags including T-shirts and a Small Heineken Beer Keg for each participating player (15 players per Squad).

There will also be an all day barbecue run by the Aspatria Club. Cumbria’s RFU Development officer Liam Nicholls said: “This is an ideal time for teams to finish off their pre season preparations with a competitive tournament which promises some fast flowing Rugby.

“Squads will be limited to 15 players on the day and the normal 10 a Side rules will apply.

“This event will be a great day out for all the family and will have other entertainments on offer throughout. Registration on the day will be from 11am with the first games kicking off at mid-day.”

The Heineken 10s is the first ever national club tens tournament in England, with 16 different clubs nationwide hosting matches for over 3500 amateur players.

As part of the tournament, Heineken will also be investing further in grass roots rugby via a special Heineken legacy scheme which will enable clubs to make improvements to their club houses.

England Rugby World Cup winner Will Greenwood will act as ambassador for the tournament.

He said, “The Heineken 10’s represents a lot of what rugby is all about to me. It promises to be a fun, social and enjoyable day of rugby with your mates. And all the host rugby clubs will benefit by receiving a legacy donation from Heineken.”

“I have always enjoyed 10s as a format – you don’t have to be as fit as for 7s but you get a bit more ball time and space than XV’s.”

Heineken have also donated a significant sum of money as part of the legacy fund, with the 16 victorious teams becoming eligible for a donation to improve club facilities. A Heineken panel, chaired by Heineken 10s ambassador Will Greenwood will be the adjudicators as to which teams will receive the donations.